Saints make a move for Travis Burns

SAINTS’ move for Hull KR stand off Travis Burns for next season will not affect the status of current number six Lance Hohaia, who still has a year to run on his contract at Langtree Park.

Although it is understood Saints want Burns to team up with his old pal Luke Walsh in the halves for next season, they will not be discarding Hohaia, who up to his recent injury has enjoyed his best season in the red vee.

Hohaia would move to perform a utility role – covering halves and hooker, freeing James Roby from regular 80 minute toil.

Burns is under contract at Hull KR and so Saints will have to pay a transfer fee to persuade Rovers to release him.

Half back is currently a problem area for Saints and injuries to Walsh and Hohaia, as well as back up halves Jonny Lomax and Jon Wilkin, causing them problems approaching the business end of the season.

Even prior to Walsh’s injury it is understood that Saints were making plans to bolster their half back roster.

If Rovers accept Saints’ bid, Burns would be a significant asset to the club moving forward.

Not only does he have a good kicking game and a shrewd rugby brain - which would immediately release some of the burden placed up Walsh – he is also a tough customer who has a way of getting under the skin of the opposition.

Burns terrorised an admittedly off-colour Saints at the recent game at Craven Park.

Given that broken leg victim Walsh will miss the pre-season and in likelihood the start of 2015, Burns would be a key asset in ensuring Saints get out of the blocks well for next term.

Saints will have cap and quota space given the departures of overseas contingent Sia Soliola, Anthony Laffranchi and, in all likleihood, Willie Manu.